Spotlight on Georgia Tech at the Modern Language Association Convention

Posted January 11, 2019

Two of Georgia Tech's new graduate programs were featured at the Programs Showcase of the annual Convention of the Modern Language Association (MLA), held this year in Chicago, January 3-6, 2019. 

The MLA Programs Showcase highlighted the nation's most innovative programs in language and cultural studies to over 5000 educators from across the country who attend the conference.

Modern Languages Chair Professor Anna Stenport and Assistant Director of Graduate Programs and Career Education Jenny Strakovsky gave a lecture at the MLA's session on "Foreign Language in the Age of STEM." Their talk, "Radical Interdisciplinarity," argued that there are a variety of ways to build sustainable partnerships between humanities and STEM, and that these are essential to prepare students to be leaders in the 21st century workforce. 

The M.S. in Global Media and Cultures, a joint degree between the School of Modern Languages and School of Literature, Media, and Communications, offers an interdisciplinary 1-year degree combining media studies, global studies, and professional-level language competence. The program prepares students for careers in media, social entrepreneurship, and international business. 

The M.S. in Applied Language and Intercultural Studies, offered this year in Spanish, prepares bilingual professionals to enter a global workforce with advanced-level language and cultural expertise. 

The MS-ALIS and MS-GMC are one of the only degrees of their kind in the United States. They are at the cutting edge of the next frontier of liberal arts education: a shift away from humanities as preparation for university teaching careers and toward a vision of the liberal arts as a vital training ground for thought leaders and global citizens in a variety of industries and career fields. 

The School of Modern Languages is accepting applications for both degrees and expects to be able to offer a number of funding packages to accepted students on a competitive basis. All students who apply for the MS-ALIS and MS-GMC will be considered for these opportunities, which can include tuition waivers, monthly stipends, and a leadership role in the campus community. 

MS-GMC is BOR approved and pending SACSCOC approval. Applications are open; offers will be made after SACSCOC approval is granted.